PAGE EXPIRES:  June 2000

SYNONYMS:  AFB Culture, TB culture

COMPONENT TESTS:  none (single test)

SCHEDULE:  Reference Lab turnaround time:   3-10 weeks

SPECIMEN AND COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS:

• sputum, tissue, CSF, urine, gastric contents, other body fluids.
• sterile, one-use, plastic, sealed disposable containers; if not possible, use sterilized glass containers
• send entire specimen
• refrigerated (all specimens will be shipped to WRAMC)
• the following specimen volumes are required:
• sputum: 2 mL
• CSF: 1 mL
• other fluids: 25 mL
• tissue: 2 g
• SPECIAL NOTE: Collect specimens before chemotherapy is started. If both AFB and fungal studies are required on CSF, the minimum volume is 1.5 mL.

CAUSES FOR REJECTION:  Improperly labeled specimen; improper specimen (e.g., swabs, feces)

STORAGE AND SHIPMENT:  Store refrigerated until shipment

USES:  Evaluation of suspected mycobacterial illness.

NORMAL VALUES:  Negative

METHOD:  Acid-fast organisms are identified using the following methods:

• Gas chromatography
• DNA hybridization
• Biochemical identification

DESCRIPTION AND COMMENTS:  Species identification and sensitivities of mycobacteria isolated.  Preliminary report will be issued when acid fast bacilli isolated.   Second preliminary report will be issued when either sensitivities or genus and/or species identification are available.  Final report will contain genus, species, and sensitivities.

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